If you are in the market for a new camera, you may begin comparing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi digital cameras. The best digital cameras, after all, tend to include one or both of these wireless technologies. Keep reading to learn more about each style of camera.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi cameras differ in the type of wireless technologies they use to send and receive files.
- Bluetooth is better for quick local connections, but cannot typically access the cloud.
- Wi-Fi cameras are a better fit for integrating with smart devices, such as Amazon Alexa.
Differences Between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Digital Cameras
The most obvious difference is the method by which digital information is transmitted. Bluetooth cameras use a wireless technology called Bluetooth, which can send information locally to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Wi-Fi digital cameras typically include a Wi-Fi transmitter that can send information to the cloud and to nearby devices, provided they are connected to the same network. The differences between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are fairly stark, which cannot be said when comparing the differences between a 16MP camera and a 20MP camera.
Here are some ways in which each wireless technology could impact your photo-taking process.
Insider Tip
Not all cameras feature wireless technology, as some must be plugged in via a USB cable. Make sure your preferred camera has Bluetooth or Wi-Fi before making a purchase.
Smart Device Functionality
If you want your camera continuously connected to a smart device, go with a Wi-Fi digital camera. Most mirrorless cameras, for instance, feature some form of Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can keep your camera connected to Alexa, Siri, and related personal assistants. How can this help? Well, you could ask Alexa to upload photos to the cloud, for instance, or to retrieve stored photos and place them back in your camera’s memory card or internal storage. If you are using some wireless security cameras, you can use a smart assistant to pull up the footage. While you are talking to Alexa, you can ask it to compare waterproof digital cameras.
Connecting to the Cloud
If you are looking to send photos or a video recording to cloud video storage, a Wi-Fi camera is the way to go. As long as your camera is connected to the Internet, you should be able to access a cloud service quickly and easily.
Quick Transfers
While Wi-Fi is generally faster when sending and receiving data than Bluetooth, you will need to make sure your camera is connected to the same Wi-Fi router as the rest of your devices, which can become cumbersome over time. Also, Wi-Fi is not always available, whereas if you have two Bluetooth-enabled devices in the same location, you will be able to use Bluetooth for easy and fuss-free file transfers.
F.A.Q.S
How do wireless cameras work?
They use wireless technology, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Wireless security cameras typically use Wi-Fi and there are many mirrorless cameras that use both types of tech. These wireless technologies will not impact video capability or image quality, though they could have an impact on the rechargeable battery.
Can my security camera be hacked?
Wireless security cameras, in rare instances, can be hacked, as can mirrorless cameras. Use manual controls whenever possible and never give out any security information, such as passwords, especially when it comes to wireless security cameras.
Can an indoor camera do double duty looking out a window?
Wireless cameras can be placed to look outdoors, as can action cameras, though you may not have access to manual controls.
STAT: The development of the “short-link” radio technology, later named Bluetooth, was initiated in 1989 by Nils Rydbeck, CTO at Ericsson Mobile in Lund, Sweden. (source)
